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Thanks for the information. I would love to participate in some of these events.

It is especially important when the article points out that "charitable" shore excursions are designed to be fun for the tourist, while also achieving something good for someone else.

Cruise lines and cruisers could be excellent for these "voluntourism" activities ...I bet many cruisers, especially those who have been to various places more than once, would be happy to have the opportunity to engage in something new and different, and uplifting, while on their cruise.

And "voluntourism" while on a cruise fits so well with the "it's so easy" lifestyle of cruising ...just debark the ship, do a little good, have a little fun, get back on the ship, and continue with your cruise.

Great article, but there are independent excursions doing this as well. One of the best excursions we've ever taken was a humanitarian tour in Guatemala with a local guide. We took school supplies and were joined by a group of college kids and sponsors who had arranged to paint the medical clinic. The weather was overcast &/or raining, we returned to the ship a little cold, wet and muddy, but still the best excursion ever!

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This is OK for those interested or to whom volunteering is a whole new concept, since Obama-mania took over and the wife is pushing people to 'volunteer.' Please, spare me. What a bunch of phonies.

I've done volunteer work here at home my whole adult life (40 years of adult life to be exact!) way before it was 'cool' and when on vacation I see no need to do more.

If I see a big push at passengers to go on 'volunteering' expeditions in ports I'll scream. It's vacation -- get the in-your-face politics out of it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by cruisinryan

Great article!

Thanks for the information. I would love to participate in some of these events.

It is especially important when the article points out that "charitable" shore excursions are designed to be fun for the tourist, while also achieving something good for someone else.

Cruise lines and cruisers could be excellent for these "voluntourism" activities ...I bet many cruisers, especially those who have been to various places more than once, would be happy to have the opportunity to engage in something new and different, and uplifting, while on their cruise.

And "voluntourism" while on a cruise fits so well with the "it's so easy" lifestyle of cruising ...just debark the ship, do a little good, have a little fun, get back on the ship, and continue with your cruise.

I think that anytime we can give back, whether on vacation or not, is a good thing. Walking a 3 K for Susan G. Komen on a sea day is fun, good exercise, and the money raised will go to breast cancer research. If that is all some people do all year, so what? You response is elitist and, you may not like this, ignorant!

You do not live in the USA. You don't get the daily doses of "do more, volunteer more, give more -- more, more, more ----

And this has increased 100-fold since Obama and company took over and his wife started cramming "volunteer!!!" down everyone's throats. Some new to volunteerism think this sounds just ducky and fun and if Michelle says do it, well, we must do it then!

Well excuse me, but I've paid far more than my share in taxes and in volunteer time over the years and in donations than most of those new to the program and I don't want to be hit up for still more when on some cruise ship. Get the picture now?

You do not live in the USA. You don't get the daily doses of "do more, volunteer more, give more -- more, more, more ----

And this has increased 100-fold since Obama and company took over and his wife started cramming "volunteer!!!" down everyone's throats. Some new to volunteerism think this sounds just ducky and fun and if Michelle says do it, well, we must do it then!

Well excuse me, but I've paid far more than my share in taxes and in volunteer time over the years and in donations than most of those new to the program and I don't want to be hit up for still more when on some cruise ship. Get the picture now?

This is hardly the first First family to try to increase volunteerism. George HW Bush and his thousand points of light, JFK, Lady Bird Johnson etc. Many people live in rural areas or spend hours a week commuting to jobs. (So. Californian that you are,you should know all about that.) and there may not be a suitable volunteer opportunity for them. Many cruiser are fond of ports, such as Costa Maya, that have been devastated by hurricanes, and of course New Orleans should be of special interest for all U.S. residents
If you don't want to be bothered on board, do what I do with the bingo announcements and the gold by the inch sales, IGNORE THEM.

I see two sides to this issue. First is volunteerism is good. The other is hey, you just spent a bunch of money on a cruise, you are drinking, eating and having fun while others are in need. You are fat, dumb and happy so you should feel guilty enough to help out people less fortunate than you.

I agree with you that volunteerism is good but I also agree with 36cruzes that people shouldn't be made to feel guilty if they don't want to volunteer on their holiday. I just don't see it as political.

No one should have to volunteer for anything because it is then no longer voluntary but compulsory. But for those who would like to do something while they are cruising - go for it.

You do not live in the USA. You don't get the daily doses of "do more, volunteer more, give more -- more, more, more ----

And this has increased 100-fold since Obama and company took over and his wife started cramming "volunteer!!!" down everyone's throats. Some new to volunteerism think this sounds just ducky and fun and if Michelle says do it, well, we must do it then!

Well excuse me, but I've paid far more than my share in taxes and in volunteer time over the years and in donations than most of those new to the program and I don't want to be hit up for still more when on some cruise ship. Get the picture now?

WOW. Such anger and bitterness. I'm a bit shocked.
I live in the USA and do not feel I have been battered with any of those daily doses of which you speak.

I think this is a fantastic idea. We are going on a cruise March 2011 and I would love to be able to do some volunteer work while there. If anyone can help me figure out how I would appreciate it. We will be taking the Norwegian Star out of LA March 19, 2011.

I will have my 11 yr. old nephew, 10 yr. old son and 3 yr old daughter. I think volunteering while doing this cruise would be a great life lesson for them.

This is OK for those interested or to whom volunteering is a whole new concept, since Obama-mania took over and the wife is pushing people to 'volunteer.' Please, spare me. What a bunch of phonies.

I've done volunteer work here at home my whole adult life (40 years of adult life to be exact!) way before it was 'cool' and when on vacation I see no need to do more.

If I see a big push at passengers to go on 'volunteering' expeditions in ports I'll scream. It's vacation -- get the in-your-face politics out of it!

There would be no need to consider it "volunteering" if every person gave some of their time to others in need everyday, but they don't. They worry about themselves, and what they should do with their time. No guilt trip here, it isn't about what I do when I'm at home its about what I do from day to day that makes the difference. If it means that people are willing to take the first step towards working like a community while on vacation then I'm all for it. Why should we be the privileged ones who drive our massive ships into their countries, so we can sit their beaches, a hike through their jungles and offer no more than couple of dollars spent on trinkets and beers?

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